European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF COATED TONGUE IN CHILDREN AGED FROM 6-9 YEARS IN SOUTH OF JORDAN A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Ali Ibraheem Alzyoud* BDS, Ahmad Saleh Alkhatib BDS, Samer Isam Bader BDS, Jumana Ahmad Al Abbadi BDS and Mohammad Suleiman Al-Amaireh BDS

ABSTRACT

Background: Coated tongue is a common condition in children, marked by a discolored or white coating on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Its prevalence varies among populations due to various demographic and environmental factors. Factors include oral hygiene and socioeconomic status, age and gender differences. Poor oral hygiene is recognized as a primary factor contributing to the development of coated tongue in children. Limited access to dental care, often associated with lower socioeconomic status, exacerbates the issue. Gender differences have also been observed, with some studies reporting a higher prevalence among females. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of coated tongue among children aged 6–9 years in South Jordan, providing insight into the burden of this condition. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study, single center study at Prince Hashem bin Abdullah Military Hospital, Aqaba, South Jordan between the periods first of July 2024 and end of December 2024 on children aged from 6-9 years. Data were collected for demographic information like age and gender. Clinical characteristics such as fissured tongue, geographic tongue, tongue tie, bifid tongue and tooth brushing were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using R studio (version 2024.09.0) Vienna, Austria. Results: This study included 190 children from the South of Jordan, with a mean age of 5.62 ± 1.67 years. The majority were 5 years old (27.37%), and females comprised 55.26% of the sample. Coated tongue was observed in 5.26% of participants, while fissured tongue, geographic tongue, and tongue tie were found in 2.11%, 0.53%, and 3.16%, respectively. No cases of bifid tongue were recorded. Among children aged 6–9 years, the prevalence of coated tongue was 10.22%, making it the most common oral health condition. Fissured tongue and geographic tongue were present in 4.55% and 1.14% of this age group, respectively. Additionally, 64.21% of participants reported regular tooth brushing. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of coated tongue among children aged 6-9 years in the South of Jordan, identifying it as the most common tongue related condition in this age group.

Keywords: South Jordan, Children, Oral hygiene, Coated tongue, Pediatric oral health, Retrospective.